2012 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive Studs Who Will Be Immediate Stars

Making the jump from college football to the NFL isn't easy. Every player goes through a learning process after the draft, but finding prospects who will be able to make a quick transition can turn a good draft into a great one for teams around the league.

Here's a complete mock draft of Round 1 featuring defensive stars who should make the jump to the next level without much problem. They should provide tremendous value since the draft has shifted more toward offense in recent years.

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

The Colts have taken rebuilding to a whole new level this offseason by attempting to replace many of the players who led the way in recent years. Luck will attempt to fill Peyton Manning's shoes.

2. Washington Redskins (via STL 2-14): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Griffin took defenses by storm en route to the Heisman Trophy in his final season at Baylor. Finding a way to turn around Washington's offense will be a tougher task, but he can handle it.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

It seems like the left tackle position gets more important every season as teams craft new schemes to attack the quarterback. The Vikings need an anchor like Kalil to fill their void.

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Even though it's been difficult to get a clear read on what the Browns plan on doing with the fourth pick, Richardson would provide the biggest boost to their stagnant offense.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

No other defensive player in the class possesses the same amount of current talent and potential as Claiborne. He was a crucial piece during LSU's run to the national title game, even though teammate Tyrann Mathieu usually stole the spotlight.

He had enough speed to keep up with every receiver he faced but still had enough strength to make an impact against the run. That's why the Buccaneers wouldn't have to worry about throwing him into the fire right away. Even if he struggled in one area, he would still make an impact.

As if Tampa Bay needed another reason to draft him, Clairborne's also an accomplished kick returner. He averaged more than 25 yards per return in his final season with the Tigers, including a 99-yard touchdown. He's truly the complete package.

6. St. Louis Rams (via WAS 5-11): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

St. Louis traded out of the second spot because it felt comfortable with Sam Bradford under center. To make it work, the Rams defense must add more key pieces to hold up its end of the bargain.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Jaguars haven't had a playmaker like Blackmon on the roster for quite some time. He should make Blaine Gabbert's second season a lot more productive than his first.

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Tannehill doesn't have the same level of potential as Luck or Griffin, but the Dolphins have been looking for a quarterback all winter, so it would be surprising to see them pass on him.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Despite the concerns about his willingness to give 100 percent on every play, Coples has all the tools to become one of the league's premier rushers. He's worth the risk for Carolina.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Even though the team's offensive line made significant progress last season, the Bills still need a left tackle to protect Ryan Fitzpatrick's blindside. Reiff will be ready to step in right away.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The Chiefs need more star power on defense. Brockers certainly fits into that category, but it will be a couple seasons before he reaches his potential. He'll be worth the wait, however.

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Most people likely don't realize how close Seattle's defense is to becoming an elite unit. The Seahawks finished seventh in points allowed despite a pass rush that was inconsistent. Picking up a star like Upshaw would take the unit to the next level.

Having played in so many big games with the Crimson Tide, he's got more than enough experience to step into the starting lineup in Week 1. His burst off the line can't be matched by other rushers in the class and he stands to get even better once he learns more moves.

The Seahawks have to feel good about their offense now that Matt Flynn will be taking over under center. That paired with a solid defense would make them a sleeper team heading into next season, especially with Upshaw making plays.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Floyd could turn into the biggest swing pick of the first round. He could land inside the top 10 or suffer a slide. Once somebody selects him—the Cardinals need a wideout—the other dominoes will fall.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Another Alabama star, Kirkpatrick has actually watched his stock slip some since the draft process began, but that will benefit the Cowboys. They have been searching for a physical corner with ball skills like his for what seems like forever.

When going up against players like Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald, cornerbacks are always at a severe disadvantage. Making their life difficult at the line of scrimmage so they don't get a clean release is the only chance corners have.

Kirkpatrick does that with ease. He still has to become more disciplined when attempting to make big plays, but that should come with time. Dallas' defense would take a big step forward by having him on the field early next season.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Kuechly is the type of player that won't make a ton of flashy plays throughout the game, but when it ends he'll have 14 tackles. That's exactly what the Eagles need.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina

Getting more pressure on Tom Brady will be the only way the Jets bounce back from a disappointing season to keep pace with the Patriots in the AFC East.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The Bengals have two picks in the opening round and should focus on adding some bulk in the trenches. That will help them back up their surprising campaign with another one.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois

After several years of disappointment, Mercilus can finally help the Chargers live up to expectations by improving a pass rush that has been dormant for the last few seasons.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Konz has been battled some injury issues, which has in turn negatively influenced his draft stock. That said, adding him to the middle of their offensive line would really help the Bears.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Poe is another defensive tackle with plenty of upside, but he won't be ready to make a major impact out of the gate. The Titans will need to give him the playing time necessary to gain valuable experience.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Cincinnati keeps its focus on lineman by selecting Still. The defensive tackle was a standout while at Penn State and will have no trouble playing the hard-hitting AFC North style.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Thanks to a terrific combine performance, Hill has raised his stock enough to get considered in Round 1. The Browns would be wise to add him and Richardson with their two early picks.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Matthew Stafford has no problem leading an elite offense when he's stays healthy, but that hasn't always been easy for him. Adding Martin to the mix should help him remain on the field.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia

Glenn would bring some much-needed versatility to an offensive line that seems to suffer one or two key injuries every season. He provides solid value this deep in the round.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Expectations are going to skyrocket once training camp starts, so the Broncos have to prepare themselves for the added media presence. Worthy will be a nice boost for the defense.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Wright helped Griffin build a high-powered offense at Baylor, and joining the Texans would give their offense all the tools it needs to become an elite unit as well.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Patriots came within one drive of winning another Super Bowl. They are one of the league's model franchises and will address their biggest need by taking Jenkins.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Playoff disappointment can often cause a team to make radical changes, but the Packers have laid low. They still have more than enough talent to contend for a title and Dennard will add to it.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Baltimore won't ever find another player like Ray Lewis. Hightower would benefit from learning Lewis' playing style, most notably his unmatched competitiveness.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Next season will be a tricky test for the 49ers. Teams won't be taking them lightly anymore and fans will be expecting another strong season. Adding depth will ensure they survive any rough patches.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

Another defensive back who will give the Patriots offense more wiggle room. Tom Brady will always put up his fair share of points, but he's not a miracle worker. The defense must improve.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Fleener helped his draft stock by showcasing his wide-ranging skills throughout the draft process. Coming off a championship, the Giants can afford to take a chance that he's the next big TE star.